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(Model.) 13 Sheets-Sheet 1.

W' P- HALE.

GRAIN BINDERl No. 267,521. Patented Nov. 14, 1882.

(Model.) 13 Sheets-Sheet 2.

W. P. HALE.

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(Model.)

W. P. HALE.

110. 267,521. Patented Nov. 14, 1882.

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GRAIN BINDER.

No. 267,521. VPatented Nov. 14. 1882..

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13 Sheets- Sheet 6,

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W. P. HALE;

GRAIN BINDER.

Patented Nov. 14, 1882.

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13 ShetS-Sheet 7.

(Model.)

W. P. HALE.

GRAIN BINDER.

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W. P. HALE.

GRAIN BINDER. No. 267,521. Patented N0v..11 ,4, 1882.

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(Model.) 13 Sheets-Sheet 9. W. P. HALE.

GRAIN BINDER. No. 267,521. Patented Nov. 14, 1882.'

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Patented Nov. 14, 1882.

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(Model.) 1 13l Sheets-Sheet 11.

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GRAIN BINDER.

No. 267,521. ented N0V.l14, 1882.

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13 Sheets-Sheet 12.

(Model.)

W. 1?. HALE.

GRAIN BINDER.

Patented Nov. 14, 1882.

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(Model.) 13 Sheets-Sheet 13.

W. P. HALE.

GRAIN BINDER..-

110,267,521. Patented Nov. 14, 1882.-

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\VILLIAM I. HALE, OF BROGKPORT, NEW YORK.

vGRAIN-BINDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 267,521, dated November 14,

Application iledApril 13, 188:2.

To all whom lit may concern Be it known that I, VILLIAM P. HALE, of Brockport, in the county of Monroe and'State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Grain-Binders; and `I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to an improvement in grain-binders.

The object of my improvement is to provide a harvester with an attachment for automatically transferring the cut grain in bundles of any desired size to improved binding mechanism, and to automaticallybind and discharge the bound bundles from the machine.

With these ends in view my invention consists in certain improvements in the harvesterrakes, whereby any desired quantity of grain is accumulated on the harvester-platform and automatically transferred to the hinder-platform, as will hereinafter be described, and specified in the claims.

My invention further consists in devices for regulating the operation of the harvester-rakes, as will hereinafter be described and claimed.

My invention further consists in certain features ot' improvement in the binder-rakes, as will hereinafter be described and claimed.

My invention further consists in certain features of improvement in the knot-tying incohanism, as will be described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a harvester-platform having my improvement applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a plan view. Fig. 8 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in vertical section. Fig. 4 is a view in longitudinal section, showing the switch in its closed position. Fig. 5 is a similar view, showing` the switch in its open position. Fig. 6 is a view in side elevation of the outer side ot' the platform and harvesterrakes. Fig. 7 is a` view in side elevation of the binder-rakes. Fig. S is a detached view,

(Model.)

and cranks for actuating the same. Figs. 11, l2, and 13 are detached views of the clutch. Figs. let and 15 are detached views of portions of the switch-tripping mechanism. Fig. 16 is a detached view of one of the harvester-rakes. Fig. 17 is a similar view of one of the binderrakes. Fig. 18 is a plan view of thel knot-tying mechanism. Figs. 19 and 20 are views in side elevation of the knot-tying mechanism, showing the parts in differenti'iositionsin forming the knot. Figs.2l and 22 are views in perspective of a portion of the knot-tying mechanism, representing'the parts in different positions in forming the knot. Fig. 23 is a detached view, in perspective, of the cap of the knottying mechanism. Fig. 21 is a longi- "tudinal vertical section taken through 'the cord-grasper of the knot-tyer. Fig. 25 isa similar view taken through the rotary knottyer. Fig. 26is a detached view, in perspective, of the rotary knottyer. Fig. 2T is a longitudinal section of the rotary knot-tyer. Fig. 2FL is an enlarged view in cross-section ofthe rotary knot-tyer. Fig. 2S is a view in perspective of the knotting-hook. Fig. 29 is a detached view of the gate or slide'. Figs. 80 and 3l represent detached views of the friction cord holder and cutter. Fig. 32 is a view of the under side of the cover that ts over the knot-tying mechanism. A

A represents the platform of a harvester, provided on its forward edge with a cutterbar, A. On the opposite sides of the platform A are secured the side pieces A2, each being provided with a rail, a, fastened to its upper edge.

A3, A4, and A"I are end uprightframe-pieces, firmly secured at their lower ends, by brackets a or other suitable devices, to the platform, and also fastened to the side pieces A2. To the upper ends of' the upright frame-pieces A3, A4, and A7 are fastened the inclined rails A5. Shields A6 are fastened to the inner edges of the uprights A3, A4, and A7.

A binding-platform, B, is supported in the rear of the harvester-platform A. The binding-platform frame consists of the end beams.

a2 and c3, and transverse beam a4, firmly fast: cned together and adapted to support the platform B. This platform is removably' secured to the rear end of the harvester-platform A in any desired manner, but preferably by hooks extending through the rear end beam e5 of the harvester-platform, upon which the end beam (t2 is placed and supported. One end ofthe platform is then retained in place by a bolt extending through a post at oneside of the haiwester-frame, and fastened by a nut; and the outer end of the platform is secured by the rail l5', secured at one end to the top ofthe post E?, and at the other end removably fastened to the side frame-piece On the opposite ends ofthe side frame-piece B3 of the rake-frame are fastened the journal-boxes l) b.

In the journal-boxes b, at the forward portion of the frame, arejournaled the independent sprocket-wheels b2 b3, while the opposite ends of the shaft L* of the reel B* arejournaled in the boxes b at the rear end of the rakeirame. Journal-boxes b5 are also secured to the forwardly-inclined uprights A7 near their upper ends, and serve to support the opposite ends ofthe shaft B5, to which are secured the sprocket-wheels DG. The journalboxes b5 are provided with elongated slots D7, through which are inserted the screws or bolts b. This construction allows the boXes to be adjusted to take up any slack in the endless chains. Thus it will be observed that there are six sprocket wheels employed, four of which are practicallyY in the same horizontal plane, while two ofthe sprocket-wheels are located at the upper portion of the rake-frame, and project over and beyond the cutter-bar, for a purpose hereinafter described.

(J C are endless chains, composed of the links c c,which maybe constructcdand united in any desired manner. Each chain passes over three of the sprocket-wheels, and is driven thereby.

C? are the rakes, each being constructed of a rake-head, CG, provided with rake-teeth c. At each end of the rake-head is fastened a journal, c2, by means of a bracket formed of the broad plate c3, which fits against the side of the rake-head, and a flange, c4, that lits against the end of the rake-head. The bracket is cast integral with the journals, and when malleated forms a strong and simple construction of rake-headjournal. The rake-head journals are connected to the endless chains as follows: The endless chains G G are each provided with as many links C3 as there are rakeheads. Links C3 are each formed of the side pieces e5, gradually tapered from the center to the opposite ends, which are united by the cross-bars c6 and c7. The cross-bar c6 is a simple straight bar, over which is hooked one of the small links c ofthe chain, while the other crossbar is made inthe form of a hook, which latter engages the end bars of one ot' the links c. The side pieces or plates c5 are provided with holes e9, through which are inserted the journals cL and supported therein.

Upon the journal c2, between the two side pieces of the link C3, is journaled an anti-friction roller, C", of sufficiently larger diameter than the width of the side pieces to allow the rollers to travel on the supporting-rails and support the endless chain. By making the links of the form shown and described it is enabled to travel either side up, which is necessary in the present improvement. /Vhile I prefer to employ the anti-friction rollers, they are not absolutely necessary, as the links of the form and construction described would operate without the rollers. Each one of the sprocket wheels is provided with a recess, C, to allow the antifriction rollers to enter therein as the endless chains are traveling over them. The reel B4 has one of its bars blz, which is located forward of the recess in the sprocketwheel, placed nearer the center of the reel than the remaining bars. This construction allows the rake to travel rearward and properly pack the grain for the binderrake to dump the grain squarely, and then allow the rake-teeth to fall within the circle of the reel. Each rake has onejournal provided with a crank-arm, D, upon the outer or free endof whichisjourualed an anti-friction roller, D. These crank-arms engage in the guideway D2, located at one side of the frame, and composed ofthe lower rail, A", and upper rail, d, and curved bars d Z2 at the forward end of the frame, the rail a. on thc inner side pieces, A2, of theV 11arvester-platiorm, and an outer rail, D3.

A switclrlever, E, is pivotcd at e, the outer surface of the switch being p actically flush with the outer surface of the rail a. The short arm e2 of the switchlever extends forward so as to form a continuation of the guide rail or bar d when thc switch is open. On one side ofthe short arm c2 is formed a projection, c3, which serves as a pawl, and engages with the ratchet-'teeth eten the ratchet-wheel E and holds the same against rotary movement in one direction. Large ratchet-wheel E is rigidly secured to a shaft, El, to the end of which is also fastened the small ratchet-wheel E3, the teeth of which engage with the outer ends of the crank-arms of the rakes when the switch is closed. To the inner end of the shaft E2, or that end nearest the driver, is removably secured the spring-drum F by means of a pin,f, extending through a hole,j`/, in the hubf2 of the drum and through a hole in the shaft. The shaft E2 is journaled in a sleeve-bearing, Ff, preferably cast solid with the plate F2, fastened to the frame, and provided with a guideway, FJ, in its upper end.

Upon the sleeve-bearing Ff, between the spring-drum and plate El, is looselyjournaled the gear-wheel F1, which has formed or secured to its inner face the stop f3 and the hook f. Tithin the spring drum is placed a spiral spring, G, one end of which is hooked into one ofthe series of holes g in the end of the drum, and the outer end removably secured to the hookj'4 on the gear-wheel F4. A pin,f5, on the inner face of the end of the spring-drum prevents the spring from riding on the shaft. G is a rack-bar, which engages with the cogs IOO IOS

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ot the gear-wheel F4, and is retained against displacement by means of the guideway F3.

rlo one end of the rack-bar is secured a notched bar, G2, the notches g2 of which engage with the teeth of the cog-wheel G2, at-

tached to the shaft G8, the opposite end ot' which has a hand-wheel, G9, attached thereto, said handwheel being provided with the notches Gm G, within which the spring-lever 1o G12 engages and locks the hand-Wheel in any desired position.

To the long arm g2 ofthe switch-lever E is attached a pin, g3, which extends through an elongated slot, g4, in the frame. Upon the outer end ot' the pin g3 bears one end, g5, of a spring, G4, which is secured to a staple, G5, fastened to the frame, the outer end, g, ot' which is provided with a hook, gl, which bears against the under side of the arm hot' the trip- 2o lever H. The rear arm, lL', of the trip-lever is provided with an inclined plate, l-l, which projects inwardly under the outer end ot` -the rail D3 of the guideway. The other end of the trip-lever H engages a projection or stop, h2,

on the clutch I. llhe rake-journal engages the inclined plate H and trips the lever H, thereby throwing the binding mechanism into operation bythe action ofthe clutch hereinafter described.

3o Upon the harvester-frame is supported,in suitable bearings, a rock-shaft, J, having a crank-arm, fi, on its outer end, to which is attached a push-rod, J', extending through the foot-board J 2, and thus adapted to be operated by the foot ofthe driver. The inner end ofthe rock-shaft is furnished with a crank-arm, t, which is attached to an eye, 2, in the lower end of a springrrod, Upon the arm i* of the spring-rod is attached one end ot' a slide-bar,

4o J3, the other end of which is provided with an elongated sioni-1", through which is inserted a screw or pin, on the side bar A2. The end of the sliding bar is beveled, as at i6. When pressure is applied to the push-rod J the sliding bar is moved rearwardly, so that its bevf eled end t6 will move beneath the pin g2 ofthe switch-lever and hold it in a raised position against the pressure ofthe spring G4, and prevent the switch from shit'tingthe rake, which 5o would otherwise engage the grain, thus enabling the driver to govern the operation ofthe rakes should the machine pass overa spot having little or no grain thereon.

K is a rock-shaft, preferablyjournaled on the harvester-trame in rear of the drivers seat K', and provided with an operating-lever, K2,which extends upwardly within easy reach of the driver. The operating-lever may be secured in any desired adjustment by means ofthe scc- 6o tor-rack K2. The outer end ot' the rock-shaft K is provided with an arm, k, which engages in a loop or eye, k', attached to the adjustable rail 7a2, the lower edge ot' which engages with the friction-rollers ot' the rake-arms employed in carrying the grain back to the binders platform. l

On the binder-platform is mounted the binder rake-frame, consisting of the lower rails, 1, and upper rails, 2, the latter being supported by suitable uprights, 3, attached to the lower rails. At the outer ends of the lower rails, 1, are supported the independent sprocket-wheels 4, each ot' which is provided with a recess, 5. These sprocket-wheels are mounted in bearings 6, which are provided with elongated slots 7, (see Fig. 2,) through which are inserted the fastening screws or bolts S, and thus the bearings are made adjustable to make up for any wear of the rake-chain. At the inner ends of the lower rails is supported the transverse shaft 9, on which are mounted the sprocket-wheels 10. rllhe shaft-has a lbevel-gear wheel, 11, secured to one end thereof, whichmeshes with a large bevel-gear, l2, fastened to the upper end ofthe upright shaft 13, and by means ot' which motion is imparted to the binder-rake. Rakechains 14 encircle the sprocketwheels 4 10, and are driven thereby.

At suitable distances apart in the rake-chain are located the binderrahes 15, which are constructed and operated as follows, (see Fig. 17:)

151L represents the rahe-hearhwhich is made in the form of a crank, having its ends 15b constituting journals, which are supported in the bearing-links 16, t-he latter' being constructed similar to those employed in the harvester-rake. To the outer end ot' one ot' the journals ot' the rake-head is fastened a bar, 17, having' an antifriction roller, 1S, journaled upon a stud or pin projecting outwardly from said bar. The opposite end ot' the bar is provided with a tinger, 19. The rake-teeth 2U are located in a vertical position during the travel ofthe rake across the binder-plattorin, and rake-chains and rake being supported by the rails 2l, projecting inwardly from the lower rails, 1. Therakeis retained in its upright position by means of the bar or arm 17, the ends ot' which rest upon the rail on opposite sides ot' the journal. Alter the rake has delivered the grain against the binding-cord and the binding arm has descended and grasped the outer side ot' the bundle ot' grain, the anti-friction roller 18 engages with the inclined traekway 22, and thus retains the rake-teeth in a vertical position while they are being raised and until they are out ot' contact with the grain. As the rake is then carried outwardly or backwardly the lower portion ot' the bar or arm 17 strikes a projection, 23, attached to the upper rail,which serves to impart a quarterturn or revolution to the rake. When the rake has traveled a little farther the projection 24 on the rake-head (see Fig. 1) comes in contact with the inner end ot' therail 25, which operates to impart another quarter turn or revolution to the rake, in which position it travels until it has nearly reached the outer ends ofthe rail,when theinger19 strikes the projection 26, (see Fig. 7,) thereby imparting another quarter-turn to the rake, causing IIO it to assume a vertical position, in which it is held by means of the friction-roller 1S entering the curved trackway 27 and the rakehead engaging with the upright 28. Therakes are thereby caused to descend vertically and engage the grain and carry it to the binding mechanism. f

Having described the construction and arrangementof parts of the harvester and binderrakes, I will now proceed to describe the operation of these parts.

As the harvester is drawn forward through the grain the harvester-rakes will descend vertically into the standing grain and hold it while it is being severed by the cutter. By arranging` the upper sprocket-wheels so as to project in front of the cutter-bar, and the lower sprocket-wheels practically in the same vertical plane with the cutter-bar, the harvester-rakes will, by suitable driving-gears, be moved l'earwardly through the same space as that through which the machine progresses during any given period of time, so that the rakes are caused to descend vertically into the grain. All of the rakes move down nearly in contact with the forward edge ot' the harvester-platform, and all are retained in a vertical position and move rearward ly a certain distance, so as to carry the grain backward onto the platform.

As it is desirable to form the bundles of uniform size, provision is made for causing every fourth, fifth, or sixth rake to carry the grain rearwardly to the binder-platform, accordln g to the varyingyield ofthe land. Then the grain is heavy the parts are adjusted so as to cause every fourth rake to transfer the accumulated grain on the harvester-platform rearwardly and deposit it upon the binder platform. Should the grain be lighter, every fifth, sixth, or seventh rake maybe caused to perform this otiice. Assume that the parts are adjusted so that every fourth rake shall engage the grain and transfer it to the binder-platform, the operation will be as follows: The first rake will descend vertically, then move in a horizontal direction over the harvester-platform a short distance. The anti-friction wheel on the crankarm of the rake traverses the upper surface ot' the short arm c2 of the switch, and the end of the crank-arm on the rake engages one ofthe teeth of the ratchet-wheel E and turns the shaft E2 and large ratchet-wheel E', attached thereto, and as the latter rotates a distance equal to one of its teeth the pawl or projection e on the short arm of the switch enters back ofthe tooth, it being thrown upward by the spring G4, which engages the projection on the long arm of the lever, as before described, and thus prevents the ratchet from rotating in the opposite direction. rlhe anti-friction roller ou the crank-arm of the rake, after it leaves the short arm of the switch-lever, travels upon the rail D3, thus imparting a partial rotation to the rake-head and raising' its teeth clear ofthe grain, as seen in Fig. 4. In this way two of the rakes are operated, and as each one passes the switch the ratchet-wheel is turned a single tooth. \Vhen the third rake passes the switch the crank-arm engages with the ratchet-wheel and imparts a partial rotation thereto, and brings the deep notch g12 ot' the large ratchetwheel E around, so that the projection cg on the short arm ofthe switch may enter therein, and thus open the switch. The third rake, like the two first, is turned so that its raketeeth will not engage the grain. Now comes the fourth rake, and, instead of the crank travcling on the upper surface ofthe short arm of the switch, it .enters beneath the short arm of the switch, which, as just stated, has been thrown up out of the way into the deep notch g by the spring G4, and as it, engages beneath the long arm of the switch the short arm is depressed, disengaging it from its ratchet and allowing the latter to be rotated back to its original position bythe action of the spring G in the drum F. Thus the switch is again closed and the crank-arm of the rake engages the under side of the guide-rail D3 and holds the rake in proper vertical position for transferring the accumulated grain to the binderplatform. \Vhen every fourth rake is in operation the rack-bar G is adjusted so that the stop on the gear-wheel F* will allow the drum F, attached to the shaft carrying the ratchet E', to rotate backward a distance equal to four of the ratchet-teeth, when the projection f'" on the drum strikes the projection f4 on the gearwheel and arrests further movement of the ratchet. Now, if it is desired that every fifth 1ake should operate, the rack-baris drawn rearwardly by imparting a hal f-rotation to the hamlwheel provided for that purpose. The handwheel is then locked against accidental displacement, and in this position the stop on the gear-wheel is in position to allow the large ratchet to rotate backwardly a dintance equal to five of its teeth. ln this manner the switch may be set so that either the fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh rake may operate to rake the grain back to the binder-platform.

It will be observed that the switch is not changed until the ratchet E has been moved step by step, each rake moving it a single tooth, and the deep notch brought into position to allow the projection on the short arm ofthe switch to enter therein and close the switch.

From the foregoing explanation it will be observed that the driver, without moving from his seat, can quicklyand easily govern the operation ofthe rakes so as to insure uniformity in the size ofthe bundles.

In the construction ot' grain-binders it is desirable to provide means for regulating theposition ofthe cut grain on the hinder-platform relative to that ofthe binding-cord, so that the grain shall always be presented midway its length to the binding-cord regardless of the length of the grain.

I will now proceed to describe the operation of my improved construction and arrangement ot' parts for delivering short or long grain upon the binding-platform, so that it shall be bound centrally by the cord or twine.

When the machine is operating on heavy IOO IIO

k2 is moved rearward, so as to form an' exten-4 sion ot' the rail D2, and thus retain the rake in its raking position fora greater length of time and transfer the grain a greater distance rearward on the binder-platform.` By these devices the driver may readily adj ust the parts so that the rakes wi-ll vdrop the grain at the proper point on the binder platform, so that when engaged bythe binder-rakes it will be carried centrally to the binding-cord. After the grain has .been deposited ou the binder-platform it is carried against .the binding-cord by the transversely-moving hinder-rakes, and while the grain is held between the binding-cord on one side and the rakes on the other side the binding-arm 'descends and carries the cord around the bundle, and at the Sametime the rakerises out of contact with the bundle and is carried back again to the proper position for delivering another supply of grain to the binder.

L is a shat't,journaled in bearings Z Z', attached to the harvester-frame, and is driven by a bevel-gear, L', mounted on Athe shaft L2, to which the driving wheel L12 of the harvester is secured. The driving-wheel L12 is provided with an internal gear, L12, into which meshes the pinion L14.

To the shaft on which the pinion L14 is secured is attached a sprocket-wheel, L15, for imparting motion to the cutter-knife and also to the harvester-rakes through the chain L16.

The harvester-tongue L17 is constructed with houndsone on each side of the drive-wheelwith eye-sockets attached to each journal-box of' the drive-wheel.

The bevel-gear L' meshes with the bevelgear L2 ot' the clutch I, which is constructed as follows:

Z2 is the clutch-sleeve, which is fastened to the shalt L by a pin, Z3, or other suitable device. Sleeve Z2 is constructed with an outwardly-proiecting arm, Z4, having a circular recess or groove, Z5, in its outer end, in which fits the circular bearing Z6 on one end of the pawl Z1, the latter being provided with a stud, L2, on its outer or' free end, which projects through the opening L5 in the disk LG, which latter isl loosely mounted on the sleeve Z2. The disk L6 is provided with a series of holes, L1, into any one ot' which is hooked one end of the spiral spring L8, the opposite end of which is hooked to the pin Z3. The bevel-gear L3 is provided with a sleeve or drum having V-shaped teeth or notches L9 on its inner circumference. The

opening L5 in the disk is formed with the two inclined sides L10 and L11. rlhe spiral spring serves to rotate the disk LG on the sleeve Z2, thereby causing the inclined side L11, with which the stud Z8 engages, to move the latter outward and into engagement with one of the notches L9 in the drum of the bevel-gear L3, and thereby lock the latter to the clutch-sleeve Z2, and cause it to rotate therewith, and thus impart rotary motion to the shaft L.v The periphery of the disk L6 is provided with a projection, h2, which engages with thc end of the trip-lever H,causing the inclined side L10 to engage the stud Z8 and move it downward out of contact with the notches L9, and thereby enable the gear-wheel L3 to continue to revolve without rotating the shaft L. y 0n the shaft L is secured an arm, M, provided with the two arms on m,-on each ot' which are journaled the anti-friction-rollers m2 m3, thereby constituting a double crank, as will bc explained.

M' is a cam-yoke having a slide, M2, secured thereto, which moves vertically in the guideways M2 M4.

To the slide M2 is secured a pin, m4, in which is journaled one end of a connecting rod or lilik, M5, the opposite end of which `is journaled on the wrist-pin H6 of the crank M1, which is secured to the binding-arm shaft M11. The binding-arm shaft M11 is supported at its outer end in the bearing m5 and at its inner end in thebearings m6 m1, the crank M7 heilig located between the latter. Shaft M8 is provided with a longitudinal groove, ma, in which engages a spline or feather, m9, in the hub of the crank, whereby the shaft may have a longitudinal movement, and hence prevent any binding of the parts due to the yielding of the binding-platform or uneven. shrinkage of the timbers composing the harvester and binding platforms.

To the outer end ofthe shaft M8 is fastened the binding arm or needle N.

A compressor-arm, O, is located below the shaft M8 and in line with the binding-arm and opposite the same.

To one side of the compressor-arm is secured an arm, o, betweenthe upper end of which and the upper end of the binding-arm are pivoted the ends ot' the two links O O2, the npper end of the link 0 being pivoted to the hanger O3, secured to the rail 0 4, while the end of the link 02 is pivoted to a flange, o', formed on the binding-arm and projecting rearward therefrom.

To the compressor-arm is `pivoted one end ot' a yielding bar, O5, the opposite end ot' which is attached to the arm o2 ot a yielding rod, 03, mounted in the bearings o4 o5, securedv to the rail O4. 'lhe arm o2 extends into agroove, 0G, in the'rail, the end o7 of the groove serving as a stop to limit the forward movement ot1 the compressor-arm. Aspiral spring, O6,encircles the rod c2, one end ofthe spring resting against the bearing o4 and the outer end against a pin,

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o8, inserted through the rod 03. Bythesemeans the coinpressor-arm is allowed to yield for bundles of varying size.

The camyoke M is of peculiar form for ac complishing certain results in connection with the double crank, as will be explained. The binding mechanism isoutofgear until the grain has been raked backward onto the bindingplatform, it being retained out ot' gear by the end ofthe trip-lever H bearing on the projection ofthe clutch-disk l. When the rake has carried grain to the proper position cn the biriding-platform the crank-arm ot1 the rake engages the long arm of the lever H and depresses it, thereby raising the short arm and disengaging it from the pin 7a2 on the clutchdisk I, and thus causing the clutch-disk to be partly rotated by the spiral spring, and thus locking the bevelgear to the clutch and iinparting rotary movement to thc shaft L. As the double crank on the shaft L rotates the roller fm2 on the crank-arm m engages the curved portion or trackway p ot' the yoke and raises the same, thereby imparting a partial rotary movement to the binding-arm shaft and raising the binding-arm, and also raising the compressor-arm, said arms being moved in opposite directions, rllhe compressor-arm is raised by means of the link O2, which is drawn forward by the binding-arm, thereby opening the toggle-joint formed by the compressor-arm and links O' O2 and raising the compressor-arm, as stated. The binding and compressor arms will be retained in their elevated position while Ythe rollers m2 m3 are traveling against the two curved trackways pp. The rollerm, in traveling' on the trackway p, serves to uphold the binding and compressor arms, and as the roller m3 leaves the trackway p the roller m2 engages the traekway p and serves to uphold the binding` and compressor arms until the roller m3 reaches the point p2, at which time the binder-rake will have delivered the bundle of grain to the binder-arm and in proper position for binding. As the roller m3 leaves the point p2 the roller m2 instantly engages the portion p of the yoke and forces it downward quickly, and thereby forces the binding-arm downward around the bundle by a quick movement. As the binding-arm descends the link O2 opens the togglejoint by forcing the upper end of the compressor-arm rearward and its lower end forward, so that these parts will be in the position illustrated in Fig. 7. The Vgrain is now compressed between the binding-arm and compressor-arm, and now the knot-tyer commences to operate, and while tying the knot the binding and compressor arms are retained in a stationary position, as the portion p4 of the yoke is so formed that the crank-arms do not engage therewith in a manner to actuate the yoke, except at certain intervals of time. The crank-arms rotate with the shaft until the roller mi* has nearly engaged with the upper portion ot the yoke again preparatory to again actuating the binder and compressor arms, when the projection on the clutch-disk strikes the trip-lever, thereby throwing the bevel-gear L3 ont of engagement with the clutch and allowing it to revolve loosely until the trip-lever is again tripped by the rake, when the parts are again put in operation.

On the shaft L, near its rear end, or formed integral with the bevel-gear secured thereto, is a cam-disk, P, with which engages an antifriction roller, 1),jonrnaled on the lower end ofthe crank PZ ot' the rock-shaft P3, the opposite end of which is provided with a let-oil" arm, P1, provided with an eye, p. /Vhen the needle or binding arm has carried the twine around the bundle and the twine is grasped bythe tyer, the eye ot' the let-oil arm or lever will be in its retracted position, and as the knot is being formed the anti-friction roller, traveling on the cam-disk P, allows the let-ott' arm or lever to recede gradually and let ott' the twine to the tyer to furnish sufficient length of twine to form the knot.

Having described the construction and operation ot the raking and a portion ot' the binding mechanism, l will now proceed to describe the knot-t-yer.

The binding-platform is provided with a removable section, Q, one end of' which is provided with a cleat, (l, that tits beneath the binding-platform, for holding it in place, while the other end is provided with a hook, Q', or hasp and staple, by which it is fastened in place. The knot-tyer is located beneath the remov able section Q, the latter forming a cover for the knot-tying mechanism, so that access may be readily had thereto for lubricating, cleaning, or repairing any of the several parts ot' the tying mechanism.

t is a skeleton frame, provided with a stud, R', on which is journaled the large canrgear wheel R2, which is driven by the intermediate gears, R3, R4, and R5, the latter being attached to the lower end ofthe upright shat't 13, which in turn is driven by the shat't L by means of the bevel-gears R6 R7. This large cani-gear R2 imparts the proper motion to the different parts ot' the knot-tyer, as will be explained.

S is a box or frame, consisting ot' the plates r t", preferably cast solid with the frame or cover, provided with perforated lugs o'3,th rough which are inserted the Ypins r4 for securing the cap r2 in place in a readily detachable manner. The cap lr2 is provided with two depending jaws, 1", between which the twine is led t0 the rotary tyer, and also with the slotr" and opening 1'7, to enable the cord to be carried to the proper position for tying. The twine s passes from the ball in the box s under the cordguide s2 and through the loop s3, then through the thread eye p5 in the let-ott' lever, back through the loop s4, then through the loop .95 on rail O", and from there through the eye s ofthe needle or binding arm, and from there to the grasping device S2, which latter device is constructed as follows:

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S3 is a shank seated in the slots formed in the plates r r. The outer end ot' the shank is constructed with the downwardly-projecting jaws S4, which latter are slotted, as at S5, and beveled, as at S5, on their lower faces. Between thejaws S4 reci procates a grasping-head, S7, constructed with an outwardly-projecting pin, S8, the latter forming a support for the twine when the grasping-head is retracted. The grasping-head Slis made integral with or attached to the sliding har S9, the rear end of which is supported in the bearing-plate S10. On the sliding bar S9 is formed a stop,against which bears one end ot' a spiral spring, S12, that encircles the bar, the other end of the spring resting against the bearing plate S10, said spring serving to move the bar forward.

T is a lever pivoted 011 the stud t of the frame R. The short arm of this lever engages with the stop S1l on the sliding bar S9. The long arm of the lever l has an anti-friction roller, t', journaled on its end, which engages with the cam '1" on the cam-gear, thereby throwingthc long arm ofthe lever away from the center ot' the cam-gear, and thus moving the short arm in the opposite direction and retracting the sliding bar S5. When the sliding bar is in itsretracted position the bindingtwine can enter the slots S5, formed in the jaws S4, and when the roller t leaves the cam T the spring Sl2 throws the sliding bar forward, thereby causing the grasping-head S7 to rmly secure the twine between its sides and theinner surfaces of thejaws S4,as clearly shown in Fig. 19. As the binding-arm is carried upward it carries with it the twine, which runs through the eye in the end of the arm, carrying it into a friction-holder, WV VV, and thence upward until the binding-arm reaches its raised position, and as it rises the twine is brought against a gate, U, which, being forcedoutward,closes the space between the two dependingjaws and prevents the thread from entering' therein, until the rotary tyer has been rotated to the proper position, when the gate or slide U is retracted as follows: Upon the under side of the gate or slide U is a pin, u, which enters a cam-shaped slot, U', formed in the reciprocating rack U2, one end of which is pivoted to the outer end oi' the lever U3, journaled upon the stud u.

To the arm or lever U3is jcurnaled an antifriction roller, u2, which engages the outer surface of a cani, U4, that serves to move the rackbar outward, and is moved inward bythe roller u2 engaging the inner surface of the cam U5. As the rack-bar U2 moves in one direction it imparts a transverse movement to the other slide or gate in one direction and closesthe thread-opening leading to the rotary tyingbill, and when the rack-bar moves in the opposite direction the slide or gate is moved in the opposite direction and opens the passage for the thread to the tying-bill. The slide or gate U being retracted, the twine passes through the slot or opening r and moves into grain is raked against the twine. The bill remains stationary while the cam-gear continues to revolve, and the binding arm or needle descends, thelatter carrying the twine over the bundle and downward between thejaws ofthe twine friction-holder, which is at this time in its open position, and which is constructed and actuated as follows:

W is a plate, the rear end of which is bent at right anglesto its length, and provided with a hole, fw, within which engages the shank fw of the grasper Si". A spiral spring, to2, encircles this shan k, one end ofthe springrestingagainst the shoulder w3 ot' the grasper and the other end resting against the bent end of the plate WV. The forward end ofthe plate is curved outward, as at 204, to give ample clearance-space for the escape of the waste pieces of tu ine. From the end of the loop or curved portion fw4 ajaw, w, extends downward, and is beveled, as at w, 011 its lower edge.

W is the other plate of the friction-holder. Its rear end is constructed with a depending projection, @07, against which presses a spring, W2, Fig. 24, that serves to retract the plate. The forward end is provided with a depending stop, W3, that engages the i'ranie r and limits the rearward movements ofthe plate W', said stop being beveled at w8 to correspond with the beveled portion to on the jaw ofthe plate W, whereby the cord is guided into the space between thejaws when in their open position. Upon the foi-wa rd end ot' the plate W is formed a knife-edge, W4, which con titutes one blade of the shear, W5 being the plate constituting the other blade. lhe forward end ot the plate W5 is provided with a notch, W5, in its lower edge. One side of this notch is inclined, as at wm, and beveled to forni a knife-edge, w, the

other side being square, so as to push out the cord, for a purpose afterward stated.

To the rear end of the plate W5 is attached a screw-threaded shank, W5, on which are secured two nuts, W4. The thread-shank is supported in a slot, W9, in the bracket W10. rl`he nuts W8 fit against the ilange W11, whereby they are prevented from turning. By adjusting the nuts the plate W5 may be longitudinally adjusted to compensate for any cutting away of the shear-blades in sharpening, and when once adjusted the nuts are kept from displacement in the manner stated. The plate W of the friction-holder is forced outward by means ot' the lever T, which is provided with a projection, Wl2,that engages the rear end of IOC) IIO 

